Adjustable bracket construction



Oct. 11, 1960 F. A FINLEY ADJUSTABLE BRACKET CONSTRUCTION 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Sept. 11, 1957 United States Patent M ADJUSTABLE BRACKET CONSTRUCTION Frederick A. Finley, Easflawn P.O. Box-1432, Pascagoula, Miss., assignor of one-half to Conrad R. Geddert, Sr., Mobile County, Ala.

Filed Sept. 11, 1957, Set. No. 683,323

7 Claims. (Cl. 248226) This invention relates in general to new and useful improvements in supports, and more particularly to an improved support for mounting drafting instruments relative to a drafting table.

The primary object of this invention is to provide an improved bracket construction which is of such a nature that a shaft supported thereby may be disposed at a selected angle to a supporting surface on which the bracket construction is mounted,

Another object of this invention is to provide an improved bracket construction for supporting a shaft, the bracket construction including a plurality of nested sleeves having angularly disposed bores, the innermost one of the sleeves receiving a shaft, and the sleeves being rotatable relative to each other whereby the axis of the shaft may be selectively varied.

Still another object of this invention is to provide an improved support for drafting instruments, the support being of such a nature that it may be conveniently mounted on a drafting table and adjusted so that a tray for drafting instruments may be maintained in a horizontal position irrespective of the slope of the drafting table.

A further object of this invention is to provide an improved support for drafting instruments, the support including a mounting bracket adjustably carried by a drafting table and having extending upwardly therefrom a shaft, the shaft carrying an arm extending over a drafting table, the arm mounting a tray for drafting instruments and being rotatable together with the tray and shaft to any desired position over the drafting table.

A still further object of this invention is to provide an improved support for drafting instruments which includes a tray having support means for adjustably positioning the same with respect to a drafting table, the tray being provided with a removable cover which in inoperative position underlies a base portion thereof and when the tray is removed from its supporting structure, will function in its normal relation as a cover.

These together with other objects and advantages which will become subsequently apparent reside in the details of construction and operation as more fully hereinafter described and claimed, reference being had to the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout, and in which:

Figure 1 is a fragmentary side elevational view of a forward portion of a drafting table and shows mounted thereon the support for drafting instruments which is the subjectof this invention, the support being shown in 'solid lines in a raised position and in broken lines in a lowered position;

Figure 2 is a fragmentary top plan view of the drafting table of Figure l and shows various positions in which a tray for drafting instruments may be supported with respect to the drafting table utilizing the present invention;

Figure 3 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical sectional view taken substantially upon the plane indicated by the section line 33 of Figure 2 and shows the specific details of the tray for the drafting instruments and the manner in whichit is mounted on an arm therefor;

Figure 4 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical sectional View taken substantially upon the plane indicated by the section line 44 of Figure 2 and shows the specific manner in which the mounting bracket assembly is adjustably clamped to the drafting table as well as the manner in which the shaft for supporting the instrument tray is adjusted with respect to the mounting bracket assembly to be disposed in a vertical position;

Figure 5 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken substantially upon the plane indicated by the section line 5-5 of Figure 4 and shows the specific details of both the clamp means and the shaft adjusting means;

Figure 6 is an enlarged exploded perspective view of the shaft assembly for pivotally mounting the instrument tray;

Figure 7 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken substantially upon the plane indicated by section line 77 of Figure 3 and shows further the mounting of the shaft for supporting the instrument tray;

Figure 8 is an enlarged transverse vertical sectional view taken substantially upon the plane indicated by the section line 88 of Figure 3 and shows the details of the construction of the arm; and

Figure 9 is a fragmentary sectional view on an enlarged scale taken through the center of the drafting instrument tray and shows the cover thereof Seemed in place for the storage of instruments.

Referring now to the drawings in detail, it will be seen that there is illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 a conventional type of drafting table which is referred to in general by reference numeral 10. The drafting table 10 includes suitable support legs 12 and a sloping top 14. Secured to the top 14 is the support for mounting drafting instruments, which is the subject of this invention, the support being referred to in general by reference numeral 16. The support 16 includes a mounting bracket assembly, which is referred to in general by the reference numeral 18. The mounting bracket assembly 18 is clamped on the drafting table top 14 and suitably supports a shaft 20 in any desired position with respect to the drafting table top 14. The shaft 20 carries an arm 22 which normally overlies the drafting table 10 and which supports at the free end thereof an instrument tray which is referred to in general by reference numeral 24.

Referring now to Figure 4 in particular, it will be seen that the mounting bracket assembly 18 includes a support bracket which is referred to in general by the reference numeral 26. The support bracket 26 is formed of a tubular member or housing 28 which has extending from the upper part thereof in slightly sloping relation a fixed clamp plate 30. Extending from the lower portion of the housing 28 in parallel relation to the fixed clamping plate 30 is a plate 32.

The plate 32 is provided with a bore 34 in which there is secured the upper end of a sleeve 36. The sleeve 36 is provided with an internally threaded bore 38. Portions of the thread of the bore 38 are cut away, as is best illustrated in Figure 5, to form a square bore portion 40,

Disposed in the bore portion 40 for sliding movement towards and away from the fixed clamp plate 30 is a square shank 42. The relationship between the bore portion 49 and the shank 42 is such that rotation of the square shank 42 is prevented. Carried by the upper end of the shank 42 is a movable clamp plate 44 for cooperation with the fixed clamp plate 30 for clamping the drafting table top 14 therebetween.

In order that the movable clamp plate 44 may be moved into a drafting table top clamping position, as is illustrated in Figure 4, there is provided an adjustable stop member 46. The stop member 46 is threadedly engaged in'the bore 38 and bears against the lower end of the shank 42 to urge the movable clamp'platei44 into a clamping position. with an Allen wrench socket 48 at the end thereof remote from the shank 42 to permit adjustment. In order that the stop member 46 may be retained in a predetermined -position, the lower part of the shank 42 is provided with an internally threaded bore 50, and there is removably carried by the stop member 46 a lock screw 52. The lock screw 52 is threadedly engaged in the bore 50 and prevents rotation of thestop member 46 to retain it in its adjusted position. p

' In the event the thickness of the drafting table top 14 is such so as to prevent the use of the movable clamp plate 44, the clamp plate 44' and the shank 42 maybe removed andthestop member 46 may bear'directly against the underside of the drafting table top 14.

The tubular housing 28 includes a first bore 54. R- tatably disposed in the bore 54 is a first sleeve 56. The sleeve 56 is rotatably received in the bore 54 and is provided at the lower end thereof with a shoulder 58 abutting the lower edge of the tubular housing 28. The sleeve 56 is retained in place by a .setsc'rew 60 adjustably carried by the tubular housing 28 and having a reduced end portion 62 received in an annular groove 64 formed in the exterior surface ofthesleeve 56. If desired, the 1 sleeve 56 may beinverted so, that the annular flange'58 will rest upon the upper end of the tubular housing 28, thereby eliminating the necessity of the setscrew 60. Howeveninasn'mch as the annular flange 58 is used for turning the sleeve 56, it is preferred to be in the position illustrated in Figure 4. The flangef58 is peripherally knurled so as to facilitate rotation of the sleeve 56.

The. sleeve 56'. is provided with a second bore 66, having an enlarged tapered lowerportion 67. The axis of the second bore 6.6.is disposed in angular relationship with respect to. the axis of the bore, 54. Rotatably seated, in the bore 66 is a second sleeve 68. The sleeve 68 includes an annular flange 70. which rests. upon both theupper end of the sleeve 56 and the upper end of the tubular housing 28. The sleeve 68 includes a third bore 72 whose axis is :disposed in angular relation to the axis of; the bore-'66. .The bore 72 is of a size to snugly recjeivethe shaft 2.0 and at the same timepermit relative rotation andvertical movement thereof.

By rotating the sleeves 56 and 68with respect to each other: and-to -thetubular housing 28, it will readily apparent that the axiso'f the bore 72. may :be' angularly shifted with respect to-the axis of thebore 54, asrdesired.

The stop member 46 is provided 14 may be located as a unit. If desired, the exterior of the shaft 20 may be suitably c'onfigurate'd to facilitate the gripping action between the shaft 20 and the sleeve 68.

It is to be noted that the arm 22 forms a stop at the upper end of the shaft 20 t6 control the lower limit of movement of the shaft 20. Further, the lower end of the shaft 20 is provided with a removable stop, preferably in the form of'a nut, the stop being referred to in general by the reference numeral 76.

Referring now to Figure 8in particular, it .will be seen that the arm 22 is generally square in cross-section and isformed of a tubular mjember78.- The'tubular member 78 isrein'forced'byaangle 80 disposed in such a relation so as to form an X, adjacent portions of the angle members being connected together by welding 81.

Referring'once' again to' Figure I in particular, it will be seen that the upper end of theishaftilfl' extends up into the arm 22 but does not pass through the upper part thereof. Passing downwardly through the arm 22 and threadedly engaged in the upper end of the shaft 20 is a bolt 82 whichremovablyretains them 22 .on the shaft Referring now to Figures 2 and din-particular, it will be seen that the instrument tray 24 includes a base portion which is referred to :in general by the reference numeral 84.- The base portion '84 includes a bottom wall 86 andfixedzend walls 88. Extending between the end walls .88 is a centralreinfo'rcingrib 90 having a central boss 92. In order to facilitate :the removaltof drafting instruments from the base:portion-84, there are.provided side walls 94 which are'hingedly attachedito the "side edges; of thebottom wall 86 by vhinge. elements 96. It isito be noted'that portions of the side Walls -94 and the bottom wall 86 are cut away as at 98 to provide suitable clearance and the jammingof material between these two a parts of the base portion 84 to ensurelthe return of the Thus, thearm22. may be-retainedin ahorizontal-posic tion irrespeCtivebf the variation-inslope. of the drafting tabletop 14. i

a In orderthat thesleeve 68'may bevretained iiran adjusted; positiom t-here is provided a tapered connection, as at 74, bet'weent'he upperpart of-the-sleeve; 681and the upper part of the sleeve 56. By lifting the sleeve 68:11pwardly aslight amount it isthen'freewo'. be :rotated. The sleeve 68 is provided with knurling on theperiphry of the flange 70 to facilitate rotation thereof. Also, if desired, suitable knurling may be formed onithe underside of the shoulder 70 to assist inpreventing rotation of the sleeve 68 when in loweredposition.

Referring once again to Figure 1 in particular, it will be seen that the arm 22 and the instrument tray 24 are disposed in cantilever relation with" respect to the. shaft -20.- This causes-a twisting of the shaft 20 with respect to the sleeve 68 and the frictional engagementbetween the shaft 20 and the sleeve 68 sufficient toretainthe shaft 20 in a desiredadjusted position; At the same time,

it permits thearm 22', the'instrument tray 24 and.:the

shaft 20 to be selectively elevated or lowered, or the three side walls94 to the. position illustrated in' Figure 3.

- The instrument tray 24 also includes a removable cover which is referred to ing'eneral by' the reference'numeral 100. 'thecoverlflo includes a top wall102 and dependingtside flanges 1.04 together with end 'flanges-106. The fianges.=104and 106 telescope over the upper portions of the walls 88 and 94 and serve to completely enclose the top part of'the base portion-84 and prevent hinging of side walls 94.. 7

' Referring-now to Figure. 9 inparticulanitwillbe seen that the boss 92 is provided with a central bore 108 which has an internally threaded upper-portion 110. The cover 'has formed in'the top wall .102 thereof a bore 112,. vPassing downwardly through the .bore 112 and threaded in the threaded portion in the bore 108 is: a-retaining-member 1 14 for clamping the "cover 100 Oil-the base. portion 84. 7 a I V t Referring'now to Figure Tinparticular, it will be seen :thaitthe X-m'embers 80 terminate; short of the end of the 22 remote. from the shaft 20 and that vertical walls of the arm 22'extend beyond the top and-bottom walls thereof and are curved and securedtogether, as at 116. Seated in the outer end of the arm 22 is a bearing 118. Thebearing 1'18v isprovi ded at its upper end with a flange E121! which rests upon the. upper ,par'tof the .22.and ie-erpanded, :as at 122, to prevent vertical movement that: the; collar 13.6; is snugly received; in; theboret 1-1'2 of the cover 100. This centers the cover 100 which forms a platform for the base portion 84 when the instrument tray 24 is in use. The upper part of the pivot bolt 134 extends up through the bore 108 and the base portion 84 is retained in place by a nut 140 which is threadedly engaged on the upper end of the pivot bolt 134. The nut 140 is provided with a knurled periphery 142 to facil-itate the removal thereof.

In the operation of the present invention, the mounting bracket construction 18 is suitably clamped on the rear edge of the drafting table top 14 in a desired position. Then, the shaft 20 is vertically adjusted as desired through the mounting bracket assembly 18. At the same time, the entire assembly of the shaft 20, the arm 22 and the instrument tray 24 is swung to one of the positions illustrated in Figure 2. The instrument tray 24 may then be rotated so as to be positioned square with the drafting table top 14. When it is not desired to utilize the instrument tray 24, it may be readily swung to an out-of-theway position. Also, the instrument tray 24 may be readily removed from the arm 22 for storage purposes.

The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and de scribed, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention as claimed.

What is claimed as new is as follows:

1. An adjustable bracket construction for a shaft comprising a support bracket, means on said support bracket for mounting the same, shaft aligning means carried by said support bracket, said shaft aligning means including a first bore in said support bracket, a sleeve rotatably journaled in said first bore, said sleeve having a second bore with an axis at an angle to the axis of said first bore, a. shaft slidably positioned in said second bore, said sleeve being rotatable to vary the relative position of said second bore with respect to the axis of said first bore, and a cantilever arm secured at one end thereof to said shaft and acting-by its weight to urge the shaft laterally in the second bore into frictional engagement therewith to lock the shaft against sliding.

2. An adjustable bracket construction for a shaft comprising a support bracket, means on said support bracket for mounting the same, shaft aligning means carried by said support bracket, said shaft aligning means including a first bore in said support bracket, a sleeve rotatably journaled in said first bore, said sleeve having a second bore with an axis at an angle to the axis of said first bore, a shaft slidably positioned in said second bore, said sleeve being rotatable to vary the relative position of said second bore with respect to the axis of said first bore, interlocking means between said sleeve and said support bracket to selectively prevent rotation of said sleeve, and a cantilever arm secured at one end thereof to said shaft and acting by its weight to urge the shaft laterally in the second bore into frictional engagement therewith to lock the shaft against sliding.

3. An adjustable bracket construction for a shaft comprising a support bracket, means on said support bracket for mounting the same, shaft aligning means carried by said support bracket, said shaft aligning means including a first bore in said support bracket, a sleeve rotatably! journaled in said first bore, said sleeve having a second bore with an at an angle to the axis of said first bore, a second sleeve seated in said second bore, said second sleeve having a third bore with an axis disposed in angular relation to said axis of said second bore, a shaft slidably positioned in said third bore, a cantilever arm secured at one end thereof to said shaft and acting by its Weight to urge the shaft laterally in the third bore into fractional engagement therewith to lock the shaft against sliding, said sleeves being rotatable whereby the relative position of the shaft with respect to said support bracket may be varied.

4. An adjustable bracket construction for a shaft comprising a support bracket, means on said support bracket for mounting the same, shaft aligning means carried by said support bracket, said shaft aligning means including a first bore in said support bracket, a sleeve rotatably journaled in said first bore, said sleeve having a second bore with an axis at an angle to the axis of said first bore, a second sleeve seated in said second bore, said second sleeve having a third bore with an axis disposed in angular relation to said axis of said second bore, a shaft slidablypositioned in said third bore, a cantilever arm secured at one end thereof to said shaft and acting by its Weight to urge the shaft laterally in the third bore into frictional engagement therewith to lock the shaft against sliding, said sleeves being rotatable whereby the relative position of the shaft with respect to said support bracket may be varied, interlocking means between said first mentioned sleeve and said support bracket to selectively prevent rotation of said first mentioned sleeve with respect to said support bracket.

5. An adjustable bracket construction for a shaft comprising a support bracket, means on said support bracket for mounting the same, shaft aligning means carried by said support bracket, said shaft aligning means including a first bore in said support bracket, a sleeve rotatably journaled in said first bore, said sleeve having a second bore with an axis at an angle to the axis of said first bore, a second sleeve seated in said second bore, said second sleeve having a third bore with an axis disposed in angular relation to said axis of said second bore, a shaft slidably positioned in said third bore, a cantilever arm secured at one end thereof to said shaft and acting by its Weight to urge the shaft laterally in the third bore into frictional engagement therewith to lock the shaft against sliding, said sleeves being rotatable whereby the relative position of the shaft with respect to said support bracket may be varied, interlocking means between said firstmentioned sleeve and said support bracket to selectively prevent rotation of said first mentioned sleeve with respect to said support bracket, and interlocking means between said first and second sleeves.

6. An adjustable bracket construction for a shaft comprising a support bracket, means on said support bracket for mounting the same, shaft aligning means carried by said support bracket, said shaft aligning means including a first bore in said support bracket, a sleeve rotatably journaled in said first bore, said sleeve having a second bore with an axis at an angle to the axis of said first bore, a shaft slidably positioned in said second bore, said sleeve being rotatable to vary the relative position of said second bore with respect to the axis of said first bore, said mounting means including a fixed clamp plate and a movable clamp plate, means for retaining said movable clamp plate in an adjusted position, and a cantilever arm secured at one end thereof to said shaft and acting by its weight to urge the shaft laterally in the second bore into frictional engagement therewith to lock the shaft against sliding.

7. A support for mounting drafting instruments in a horizontal overlying position relative to a sloping draft ing table, said support comprising a mounting bracket assembly adapted to be clamped on the drafting table, a shaft adjustably carried by said mounting bracket assembly, a cantilever arm secured at one end thereof to an upper end of said shaft, and an instrument tray carried by the other end of said arm, said mounting bracket assembly including a support bracket, means on said support bracket for mounting the same, and shaft aligning means carried by said support bracket, said shaft align ing means including a first bore in said support bracket, a sleeve rotatably journaled in said first bore, said sleeve having a second bore with an axis at an angle to the axis of said first bore, means for slidably positioning the sh-ait iii said'second bore, said sleeve being Ibtatable to vary the relative position of said second .bo're, withx: spect {6 the of said firsf bore,' the weight of said cantilever :anm fid said-tray acting tozm ge the-shaft laterally in said shaftpositioning means into frictional 5. e'flg'agement therewith :to lock the shaft against sliding.

UNITED SIK'iESgPATEbiTS i 

